Your Member of Congress is Key to NEA Funding – Act Today!

June 8, 2015

Special Alert! Your U.S. Rep. is Key to First Step in FY16 NEA Funding Process

This Wednesday, the House Interior Subcommittee will debate a bill that includes the FY16 budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Your member of Congress serves on this committee, and will play a key role in determining this year's NEA funding level.

The total pool of funds available for the Subcommittee to allocate to various accounts is subject to budget caps that make all non-defense spending vulnerable to reductions. For the past 4 years, the NEA's budget has held steady at $146 million, which is well short of its 1992 appropriations level. The President has requested a small increase to $147.9 million for the agency for FY16. In previous years, both the President and the Senate Appropriations Committee have supported up to $155 million for the NEA. Orchestras and the broader arts community are requesting an FY16 budget of $155 million for the NEA.

Grants awarded to orchestras by the NEA, and support provided to orchestras through NEA funds administered by state arts agencies, provide critical funding for projects that increase access to music in communities nationwide. A reduction in the agency's budget could threaten its ability to ensure this essential grant distribution.

There is a small window of time for Congress to pass its funding bills, and the House Subcommittee deliberation is the first opportunity to weigh in directly with the influential members who will set the tone for the NEA's FY16 budget allocation. Please use the League's online Advocacy Center to tell your Representative how important NEA funding is to your community and to the nation. Your voice matters!Click Here to Contact Your Member of Congress Today!